Comments | diy_pads: How to Make Truly Waterproof Pads?

apolliana in diy_pads

How to Make Truly Waterproof Pads?

Apr 17, 2012 18:12

I'm fairly new to the homemade pad thing. A few months ago I ordered some PUL and made a bunch. I don't use them for periods, but as everyday pantyliners, which I need if I don't want to wash my pants (if you're English, trousers) every day. But the ones I made aren't very waterproof ( Read more... )

leak-proof layers - fleece, pad type: pantiliners/mini pads, absorbency, fabric choices - pul, leak-proof layers - pul, style: aio

Comments 5

dalyax April 18 2012, 00:34:48 UTC

I think what you are dealing with is moisture. Excess moisture as in the "wet" feeling.

PUL is not designed to ward off moisture or dampness. It's meant to hold off fluid leakage.
What you need is Polyester Fleece material. I prefer "Anti-Pill Polyester Fleece" because it's fluffier and durable.

Polyester Fleece is 100% Polyester and is great at keeping excess moisture away. I use this as the back of my cloth pads to also help with water-resistance which temporarily stops the menstrual flow from going through, I change my pads quite frequently and one should also do the same even if not menstruating. PUL is water-proof and Polyester Fleece is water-resistant.

I would top the pad with something 100% cotton, I recommend flat cotton or t-shirt jersey (highly recommend t-shirt jersey material though). And the back would be polyester fleece. Additionally, you can also put some absorbent layer in the inside such as 1 0r 2 layers of cotton flannel, or some t-shirt jersey.

:)

apolliana April 18 2012, 00:50:29 UTC

Ok, thanks! I'll try the polyester fleece. I can probably dig up some jersey too!

oceansolitude April 18 2012, 13:14:15 UTC

To me it sounds like you don't have enough absorbancy--the fluids just slide right off. I also find cotton velour (which I got from some track suit pants at goodwill) feels drier than flannel or flat cotton. You also don't necessarily have to get rid of the pads you made, you can always add some absorbancy to the top and try them again.

luna__wolf April 18 2012, 17:13:51 UTC

Argh, I replied and it was marked as spam because I included a link. :( Let's try this again ( ... )

apolliana April 18 2012, 19:46:02 UTC

I think that's the pattern I used! Only I resized them for my underwear and made a thong version, too. Could be that the moisture is sitting on top and going *around* (it ends up being damp on the bottom, so I thought it was soaking through).

Flannel sounds like a good idea! Thanks!